Visiting Teaching Moment, 7/10/11, given by Sister Nancy S.:
Because it's July and we celebrate our pioneers, I thought I'd use a story from my family history to spotlight the spirit of visiting teaching.
"On January 16, 1843, we set sail from Liverpool, and as we saw the land slowly disappear in the distance, we sang one of the songs of Zion and cheered each other with sympathizing words. We were the first British emigrant company of the season and numbered two hundred and twelve souls. We had a pleasant voyage across the Atlantic, during which time, just before reaching the American shore, Mary gave birth to a little son, whom we named William Matthews Layton. After sailing for seven weeks and three days, we arrived at New Orleans and were transferred to the steamer Amaranth in which we sailed up the Mississippi River. Our baby died before we reached St. Louis, being only about six weeks old. He was buried on shore. We arrived at St Louis March 29, 1843.
We were now transferred from the steamer to a barge, and here we had to stay for two weeks waiting for the ice to break up on the river. My wife was sick and delicate and the weather was raw and chilly, but we consoled ourselves with the Lord's promise and thanked Him that we were so near our journey's end. My money having given out, I was obliged to borrow seven dollars of Prime Coleman. About the seventh or eight of April a small steamer fastened a cable on our barge and tugged us up the river to Nauvoo, where we arrived one very cold morning, April 12. How rejoiced we were when we were safely across! And there stood our prophet to welcome us! As he heartily grasped our hands, the fervently spoken words, "God Bless You" sank deep in our hearts, giving us a feeling of peace such as we had never known before.
The saints had congregated in front of the old post office building to gladly welcome us to this land and the beautiful city of Nauvoo, where the hospitalities of their homes were kindly offered us. Brother Philemon C. Merrill took my wife and me home with him, his wife Cyrena gave me the first cup of milk I had in Nauvoo. On the following day the Prophet Joseph called to see us and blessed us. After staying with Brother and sister Merrill a few days, my wife who was still sick, and I went home with Brother and Sister Jacob Butterfield." (from the autobiography of Christopher Layton)
Though at that time there was no formal visiting teaching program, still "charity never faileth" prevailed in the homes of Sisters Merrill and Butterfield, who apparently didn't hesitate to take in the penniless, dirty, sick, Mary and Christopher Layton. Christopher in later years said he would never forget their kindness as long as he lived.
May we in our generation adapt the Relief Society theme to our circumstances and let it inform our visiting teaching is my prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Sister Nancy S.
